The Ferrari Testarossa Returns With Over 1,000 Horsepower
Ferrari officially announced the return of an 80s icon and no, I’m not talking about the rumored Knight Rider revival film. The Ferrari Testarossa is back—now called the 849 Testarossa—this time it’s pushing four-digit horsepower thanks to a few turbos and electrification. Imagine if Crockett had that kind of power? If you understand that reference, you should probably get your back checked out and lay off the spicy foods.
The Old New Kid in Town
The original Ferrari Testarossa was produced from 1984 to 1991, with a few limited editions trickling out occasionally until ’96 but it was the original Testarossa that earned legendary status. Though once production ended, Ferrari didn’t look back until now. The Italian supercar maker has revived the model to replace the SF90 Stradale’s spot in its vehicle lineup.
Wild Horses
While the Ferrari 849 Testarossa is paying homage to an iconic model that came before, it couldn’t be more different. That’s especially true when it comes to the powertrain. The original car is powered by a flat-12 that made approximately 390 horsepower and was the first engine from Ferrari to utilize four valves per cylinder.
The 849 Testarossa features the latest version of Ferrari’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes 819 horsepower. This version of Ferrari’s V-8 has roughly 50 more horsepower than the previous version thanks to larger turbochargers with low-friction bearings similar to those found in the F80.
Some weight was shaved off the crankshaft and the use of titanium bolts. The engine breathes more easily by way of an exhaust manifold that is 20% larger in diameter and 10% longer than the previous manifold.
A trio of electric motors—two on the front axle and one on the rear axle—play the starring roles in the 849 Testarossa’s hybrid system. All three motors make 220 horsepower together and when that’s added to the V-8 it brings the grand total to about 1,035 hp.
Like most hybrid supercars the Ferrari 849 Testarossa’s electric motors are fed from a small battery. A 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery in this instance. It’s enough to give the electric motors what they need and allows the 849 Testarossa to travel 15.5 miles on all-electric power. Hardly an impressive range, but more than enough to get outta the gated community before the gas-sipping horses wake up the HOA president. It’s also a handy range for coasting through European locales that outlaw ICE vehicles within their city limits.
Vehicle Dynamics: Physical Media, Digital Copy
To many people, Ferrari may represent classic, hand-built, analog driving pleasure but it is one of the most innovative automakers in the world, and some of the bleeding edge tech used in the 848 Testarossa reads like it came out of the page of an Iron Man comic book.
For instance, the new Testarossa’s driving dynamics based on the Italian automaker calls the FIVE digital system, or “Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator.” FIVE is an estimation system which creates a “digital twin” of the vehicle that replicates the car in real time, based on a mathematical model fed by real measurements from the car’s sensors.
FIVE estimates performance characteristics and will make adjustments to traction control, the electronic differential, the electric 4WD system, and the braking system based on data it collects.
Think of it like this: much like racing games such as Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa FIVE system creates a digital “ghost” based on your driving and makes adjustments to optimize your driving experience.
Familiar Styling
It’s difficult to describe the styling of the 849 Testarossa. There are so many influences that seemingly meet together in an intersection that equates to a previously unreached level of restomod sensibility. The twin rear-tails give strong 512 S vibes but there are also nods to the F80, the SF90, the Enzo, and 365 Daytona.
I wouldn’t quite say it’s merely a mix of Pininfarina’s greatest hits, but it is very pleasing to see so many different design influences meld together so harmoniously.
Naturally there are functional aerodynamic features everywhere. The “bridge” on the front fascia that connects the headlights acts like a full-width front spoiler according to Ferrari. There’s also the obligatory massive rear diffuser. Even the forged wheels have been designed in such a way to extract air from the wheel wells to control the wake.
Will This Testarossa Be as Iconic as the Original?
There are various reasons why the original Testarossa cemented itself as a major touchpoint in car culture. Everything from its styling to its appearance in major films and tv shows, to its performance all came together to create a legendary supercar that’s still respected and coveted today. Original Testarossa’s in good condition can still prices well into the six-figures so interest certainly hasn’t waned since 1991.
Can the new Ferrari 849 Testarossa reach the same cultural heights? It’s not impossible, but it is very difficult to imagine. Time will tell. We just have to wait another 40 years or so to see where the conversation goes.
Ferrari 849 Testarossa Gallery
Ferrari 849 Tetarossa Specs
| Ferrari 849 Testarossa Specifications | |
| Powertrain | Hybrid system with 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and three electric motors (two motors in front one in rear) |
| Hybrid battery capacity | 7.45 kWh |
| Total horsepower | 1,035 horsepower |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox |
| Wheels | Forged aluminum 20 x 9.5 in (front) 20 x 11.5 in (rear) |
| Tires | 265/35 (front), 325/30 (rear). |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 104.3 |
| Length x Width x Height | 185.7 x 90.7 x 48.2 |
| Dry Weight | 3,461.2 lbs |
| 0-62 mph time | 2.3 seconds |